STC FAQ

Q: Do I need to be vaccinated and/or boosted from COVID-19 to attend the program?
A: Yes. As of January 25, 2022 all eligible staff, faculty, and students must be vaccinated and boosted from COVID-19. Upon acceptance, students will receive detailed COVID-19 guidelines and FAQs to review. All COVID-19 vaccination and booster information will be done through A.C.T.'s Human Resources department for confidentiality and confirmation of vaccination.

Q: What safety protocols are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A: At this time, all staff and students are required to be masked at all times with N95 or KN95 masks. Cloth masks are no longer allowed. The only times where unmasking is allowed is when someone is actively eating and drinking or actively rehearsing or performing, as deemed by the faculty. In situations of unmasking, being socially distanced is encouraged. Throughout A.C.T. sites and venues and classes, masks are to be worn.

All A.C.T. sites have followed the CDC guidelines on HVAC systems, circulating air at the proper rate. Tests and PPE are provided on an as-needed basis, but students, faculty, and staff are expected to have the proper materials anyway.

More information, questions, answers to come soon.

Q: Can international students apply?
A: No. Currently, we are not issuing I-20s for the program.

Q: Do I need to have any experience in order to enter the program?
A: Yes. We accept students at varying levels of development, but you must have some acting experience in classes and/or productions.

Q: What do I need to include in my application?
A: The following materials should be submitted with your application: completed on-line application form, current resume listing previous training and experience, one full-face snap shot or 8 x 10 headshot, contact information for your recommenders, and an essay (no longer than one typewritten page) describing why you are pursuing a career in theater. 

Q: Can I submit my application materials separately, or do I need to submit all of it at the same time?
A: All materials and information must be submitted at the same time. You will be able to save information online until you choose to submit your application. Our online application will ask you to provide the contact information for your recommenders, including name, phone number and email address. Upon submission of your application, your recommenders will be emailed instructions on how to submit their letters.

Q: What should my resume include? Should it list non-theater experience?
A: Your resume should list all theater work. This can include acting classes, voice lessons, seminars, university productions, community productions, and/or professional productions.

Q: I have obtained more than two letters of recommendation. Should I upload all of them?
A: No. Please include only the two letters we have requested. In the event that we receive more than two letters for any applicant, we will review only the first two letters we receive.

Q: Is there an age requirement?
A: The STC accepts applicants who have graduated from high school and are age 19 or older at the start of the program.

Students who are age 18 and under should refer to A.C.T.'s Young Conservatory. Students who have not graduated from high school and are age 18 and over should refer to Studio A.C.T.

Q: I submitted in my application but haven't heard anything. Should I call the office?
A: Please wait at least two weeks after your application's estimated arrival date to call the office.

Q: What sort of monologue should I audition with? How long should my piece be?

A: You may use a modern/contemporary monologue from any play written from the mid-19th century to the present day, or a classical monologue in verse or prose—Shakespeare and his contemporaries are good resources. Your monologue should be no longer than two minutes.

Q: What are the program's hours?
A: Classes meet Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Hours on Friday are variable, but are also scheduled during that time frame. Evenings and weekends are free. Please note: Arranging rehearsal time outside of regularly scheduled class hours is essential to successfully completing the STC.

Q: What is the daily class schedule?
A: Typically, a student will attend a variety of classes on any given day and throughout the course of the week, including Acting, Movement, Voice, Speech and the Actor, Improvisation, Clowning, Text, Audition Technique, and Conservatory Hours (talkbacks with prominent actors, directors, and others working in the industry). Acting classes last between two to four hours; other classes last two hours. The day also includes one 15-minute break and a 45-minute lunch break. Students will find it necessary to schedule rehearsal time outside of class in order to work on scenes, monologues, etc. Total in-class time per week is approximately 32 hours.

Q: Are fee waivers available to cover my application fee?
A: Unfortunately, we do not offer fee waivers. Each applicant must pay the application fee. There are no exceptions.

Q: Does the STC provide housing for students?
A: A.C.T does not find housing for students. Apartments, rooms, and residence clubs are located within walking distance of the A.C.T. studios in downtown San Francisco. Other housing is available a short bus ride away, and San Francisco has an excellent public transportation system. We recommend that applicants use various online options to explore these possibilities. Our Student Handbook, sent to applicants upon acceptance to the program, includes more extensive information and suggestions.

Q: What kind of financial aid is available for the STC?
A: You can apply for either the STC scholarship or a private loan.

Q: Can I apply for a federal Pell grant or a Stafford loan?
A: No. The length of the STC does not qualify for these federal financial aid programs.

Q: Is there a separate application for financial aid?
A: Students interested in financial aid must complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA (www.studentaid.gov) and the regular STC application by the financial aid deadline. There are no other required forms. If you are accepted into the program, you will then be considered for financial aid. (Do not fill out the 2022-2023 FAFSA, we are only accepting the 2021-2022 FAFSA at this time).

Q: Do I have to complete a FAFSA even if I am applying for the STC scholarship?
A: Yes. The STC scholarship is limited and awarded to students with financial need and merit. The FAFSA helps determine your need qualification.

Q: I am completing the FAFSA. What is A.C.T.'s school code?
A: Our school code is 014545. Please see the STC Financial Aid page for more information.

Q: What is the deadline for applying for the STC scholarship?
A: The deadline for applying for the STC scholarship is May 2, 2022.

Q: How do I apply for a private (educational) loan?
A: Contact the financial aid office for information on researching private (educational) loans.

Q: What if I have other financial aid questions?
A: If you have other financial aid questions, please email Jerry Lopez at jlopez@act-sf.org.

Q: Does A.C.T. offer student housing?
A: All students are responsible for finding and arranging their own housing for the duration of the program.

Q: What is the Withdrawal process for the STC?
A: Notification of withdrawal from the program must be made in writing by email to the Director of Academic Affairs at jsharrar@act-sf.org. Verbal notification, whether in person or by voicemail, is not accepted. A.C.T. will confirm notification in writing. Upon receipt of A.C.T.'s confirmation, your withdrawal will become official.

Q: After my withdrawal from the STC becomes official, will I get a refund?
A: Refunds on tuition and other fees are detailed below:

Withdrawal before the commencement of classes: 100% refund of tuition paid, less the nonrefundable processing fee ($300). Withdrawal during the first week of classes: 60% refund of tuition paid, less the nonrefundable processing fee ($300) and the nonrefundable library fee ($25). Withdrawal during the second week of classes: 50% refund of tuition paid, less the nonrefundable processing fee ($300) and the nonrefundable library fee ($25). Withdrawal after the Friday of the second week of classes: no refund.

FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN REFUND POLICY
Students receiving a federal Stafford loan are subject to the Return of Title IV Funds refund policy. For details of this refund policy, please see the A.C.T. Student Handbook.

Q: I was a student while A.C.T. had its WASC accreditation, am I able to receive a transcript?

A: Yes. If you were a student prior to May 2022, we are still able to provide a transcript with course credit during your time in the Summer Training Congress. Please go to our transcript page for more information.

Q: Does A.C.T. offer other actor training programs?
A: Yes.

From acting and improvisation to musical theater and monologues, adult classes are also available throughout the year in Studio A.C.T.

A.C.T. also introduces actors at the start of their training to an active, ongoing engagement with the eclectic and energetic arts community of the Bay Area through our San Francisco Semester, a 15-week study away program for undergraduates. Embark on a 15-week theatrical and cultural immersion—a rich academic curriculum that will lead you to cultural destinations throughout the city and the bay.